Radford: Hull FC need a successful KR
Hull FC coach Lee Radford has acknowledged the importance to his club of having city neighbours Hull KR in Super League and doing well.
While the two clubs contest one rugby league’s fiercest derbies, there is also cooperation between the red and white and black and white factions, notably in the City of Hull Academy, which is a joint enterprise.
“Obviously we need them in and around that Super League for sure,” Radford told Love Rugby League.
“It’s a love-hate relationship. It’s like the England–Scotland relationship – that, for me, is the best international football rivalry in the world.
“It’s great to play in because of the supposed hatred, but you need each other as well.
“That’s the situation, ultimately, for the good of the game.
“If we’re doing well and they’re doing well, then it entices more kids to pick up a rugby ball.
“That’s what the sport is crying out for at the moment.”
A number of players have made the transition between the clubs in recent season, with the most recent being convert from KR to FC being half back Albert Kelly.
Kelly left Hull KR in unfortunate circumstances, and he is an allegedly tricky character to manage on occasion.
But Radford has had no problems so far, and is pleased with the way the Australian has settled in at the KCOM.
“He’s been good as gold, there’s been no dramas whatsoever,” the coach said.
“He loves being on the green stuff and having a ball in his hand.
“He’s going to add massively to us for next season. The boys have taken to him as well.
“He seems to have settled in okay too.”
One player who has moved in the opposite direction, swapping black and white for red and white in 2017, is Jordan Abdull.
The back rower or stand off has joined Rovers on loan for the season, and Radford expects him to develop well playing regularly in the Championship for the Robins.
“That’s the thought process behind him going there,” he said.
“It’s to make sure that he’s guaranteed games, and guaranteed game time for his development.
“Long-term, I think it will benefit both him and us massively.”